Richard Gaffney

Get to know Richard

I've been practising law since 1998 and specialise in serious and catastrophic injury claims involving victims with traumatic brain injuries (often involving significant capacity issues), fatal accident claims and cases involving amputation. I often recover sums in excess of seven figures either by way of lump sum or periodical payments. I have been with Slater and Gordon since 2013, heading up the Cambridge office.

I have a niche interest in those who’ve suffered serious injuries as a result of road traffic accidents, including cycling accidents, and have extensive experience in claims involving traumatic brain injury, amputations and multiple orthopaedic injuries.

Prior to training to be a solicitor, I spent 10 years in the armed forces so I have a particular understanding of the complexities when dealing with military accident claims. I am also a keen cyclist and a member of Cycling UK and a regular contributor to Cycle Magazine and enjoy dealing with the cycling fraternity.

Career highlights

It's difficult to pick out particular highlights as I take great pleasure in every successful outcome. However, I have taken a number of cases to the Court of Appeal where liability has been contentious and come away with a hard-fought victory.

Recently, I have represented a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a road traffic collision, as a passenger, where the driver lost control of the car, crossed the carriageway into oncoming traffic. I was able to secure my client interim payments to cover treatment costs while the case was ongoing. We were able to secure a significant settlement for the client to aid with their rehabilitation and treatment.

Recognition

I’ve been highly recommended in independent legal guides, Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for many years. The most recent, edition of the Legal 500 regards me as a ‘Leading Individual’ and states in a testimonial: "The process was difficult and confusing but Richard supported me fully, he clearly explained the process. Richard was patient and caring while also explaining the situation, pitfalls and possible outcomes."

The 2023 edition of Chambers and Partners ranks me highly as a Band 1 lawyer and states: “Richard Gaffney regularly advises on catastrophic injury cases, as well as those involving amputations and brain injuries. Richard Gaffney is a very competent and thorough lawyer."

The extra mile

I am active within Slater and Gordon in lobbying for the interests of cyclists and cycling accident victims and have published several articles on our website as well as guest authored articles for cycling organisations including Cycling UK.

I am a member of the Association of Consumer Support Organisations and a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking.

I’m also a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).